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I hope you and your family are doing well in these difficult times. I wanted to take an opportunity and provide you with an update on what the State is doing to address the COVID-19 epidemic and the resources available for you.

Sacramento, CA – Four of Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bills cleared the California State Assembly Appropriations Committee. The legislation passed includes two California Legislative Black Caucus backed bills – Assembly Bill 1994 that would expand access to health-care services to juveniles upon release from a public institution, and Assembly Bill 2019 that would increase access to community college courses for students in juvenile court schools and alternative schools.

These are dark and perilous times for Black Americans. Make that, all Americans. The constant reminder of a blatant disregard for the lives of so many black men and women at the hands of police officers has rocked our collective consciousness.

Pasadena, CA – Catherine Del Rosario, District Director for Assemblymember Chris Holden, made the National Association of Asian Pacifics in Politics and Public Affairs’ (NAAPPPA) 2020 list of the top 40 AAPI political operatives and public affairs professionals under 40.

“Congratulations to Catherine Del Rosario for her recognition,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “Every day I get to see the positive impact Catherine makes for the constituents and cities I represent, and the leadership she brings to the staff, interns, and youth programs in my office.”

Sacramento, CA – Today, Governor Gavin Newsom presented his proposed May Revision for the 2020-2021 Budget. Newsom’s budget lays out a plan to close a $54 billion gap due to the COVID -19 recession. Assemblymember Chris Holden released the following statement:

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s legislation, AB 2019, that would increase access to dual enrollment opportunities for students in juvenile court schools passed with bipartisan support in the Assembly Education Committee today. The measure would allow county offices of education to participate in College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) partnerships in the same way local school districts do.

Sacramento (CA) – The California State Legislature and Governor Newsom are taking swift action to slow the spread of COVID-19 including passing a $1.1 billion budget package. The legislation, SB 117 and AB 89, will bolster the state’s response to both medical needs of people with the virus, and help implement drastic mitigation efforts necessary to deal with the pandemic.

The 41st Assembly District Spring Open House to Recognize Women of Distinction is Postponed Due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Governor Newsom joined State health officials in recommending that gatherings of 250 or more people across the entire state be canceled to deter the spread of the novel coronavirus. Smaller events can proceed only if the organizers can implement social distancing of six feet per person. Gatherings of individuals who are at higher risk for severe illness from the coronavirus should be limited to no more than ten people, while also following social distancing guidelines.

We must take the necessary steps to protect those with underlying health conditions who are most at risk.

For updates from healthcare experts regarding the novel coronavirus visit the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) website at: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/

Consequently, this event, scheduled for March 19th from 5:30 p.m. -7:00 p.m., is postponed to protect public health and safety, and preserve critical health care resources that may be needed in the future.

Pastor Jean Burch, 2020 Woman of the Year, Pasadena – Pastor Jean Burch is the Senior Pastor of the Community Bible Church of Greater Pasadena. She is the President/CEO of the Community Bible Community Development Corporation that provides affordable housing and social services for over 1500 Pasadena residents. She is also a founding member of the Community Clergy Coalition, a group of pastors striving to improve the quality of life in Pasadena.

Judy Matthews, Woman of Distinction, Altadena – Throughout Judy’s years of service and involvement with local and national organizations, she has remained true to the people she has been entrusted to serve. Among her many contributions is initiating and leading Altadena’s homeless count in partnership with Greater Los Angeles and continues this project annually. Judy has been recognized by Congresswoman Chu as the 2017 “Congressional Woman of the Year” along with the Pasadena-Altadena Community Endowment Fund’s “Community Gem.”

Dr. Anne Turner, Woman of Distinction, Claremont – Dr. Turner works tirelessly on homeless issues in the San Gabriel Valley by supporting the City of Claremont elected officials in their effort to create a lasting infrastructure and a continuum of care for unsheltered residents. She is a staunch advocate for Claremont’s homeless population. Dr. Turner is a well-respected leader and brings confidence and exuberance to her role as Human Services Director. She has made a positive impact on our community and strives to promote a culture of inclusion and respect.

Barbara Smythe, Woman of Distinction, La Verne – Barbara Smythe is a community activist who is passionate about providing access to the arts. She is the Founding Chair of the Cultural Arts Society of La Verne. She opened the doors to an important partnership with the Bonita Unified School District, the City of La Verne, the Historical Society of La Verne, the University of La Verne, and Hillcrest. Her outreach also includes a pilot after-school art program taught by local artists to 4th, 5th, and 6th graders. The pilot program was so successful that the Pomona Unified School District continued to support the program on an ongoing basis. She inspires thousands of individuals through her efforts and creates an affordable and enjoyable way for artists and art patrons to connect, as well as for students of all ages to participate in and enjoy the arts.

Keisha Bowen, Woman of Distinction, Monrovia – Keisha is the owner of Simply Divine Hair & Barber Salon and has been in business for over 20 years. Ms. Carter-Bowen is dedicated to serving the community as she works with students from Monrovia High School through an apprenticeship program, and participates in community events within the city and with Foothill Unity Center. She was the 2019 Business of Distinction from Monrovia.

Lissa Reynolds, Woman of Distinction, South Pasadena – Lissa is the President of the California Performing Arts Centre at the Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena. For 23 years, she has been its Co-Artistic Director and Manager. She has produced plays and has performed in numerous films, television productions, and commercials. She is Founding Director of the South Pasadena Arts Council, which she established in 2009. The nonprofit organization advocates for the arts in the city and schools, and works with the Chamber of Commerce on its popular arts and music focused festivals.

Beverly Maloof, Woman of Distinction, Rancho Cucamonga – Beverly Maloof is a Community Leader and Horticulturist. Currently, she is the Director of the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts. She was the founding President and Board Member of the Riverside Land Conservancy. She was also a founding member of Riverside’s Citrus Heritage Park’s Board of Directors and she became the founder and designer of the Maloof drought tolerant demonstration garden.

Diane Koach, Woman of Distinction, San Dimas – Diane has been an active volunteer in the district and community for many years. She serves on the Bonita Unified School District school board, and is currently a member of the Board of Directors for the La Verne/San Dimas Educational Foundation and the San Dimas Festival of the Arts. She is also an active member of the San Dimas Chamber of Commerce.

Melissa Talwar, Woman of Distinction, Sierra Madre – Melissa heads the International Support Fibromyalgia Network, a patient-centered nonprofit dedicated to educating and inspiring the Fibromyalgia community. Melissa has survived Fibromyalgia since her teens. Melissa’s advocacy work started in the early 2000’s where she was part of the initial Fibromyalgia group in Sacramento for the first Fibromyalgia Proclamation. That day ignited a passion to pursue advocacy work and find better answers for the Fibromyalgia community.

Kati Parker, Woman of Distinction, Upland – Ms. Parker has 27 years of water resources leadership. In 2016, she was elected to the Inland Empire Utilities Agency’s Board, where she currently serves as Board President representing the communities of Upland, Montclair and San Antonio Heights. Additionally, she served on the Chino Basin Water Conservation District’s Board for 16.5 years and as President for 8 years where she successfully implemented recycled water connection grants for schools and public parks to increase water sustainability in her area.

Sacramento (CA) – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s legislation, AB 2060, that would reduce exposure to lead from drinking water passed unanimously in the Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee today with bipartisan support.

“We all expect the water we drink will keep us and our children healthy, and not make us sick.” said Assemblymember Chris Holden. “This legislation ensures that faucets and plumbing fixtures sold in California leach as little lead as possible.”